There are no new developments regarding the future of Chelsea target Victor Osimhen, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

It has been reported in the Italian press that Napoli have lowered their asking price for the player to €81m (£68m). However, writing in his Daily Briefing column, Romano said the player’s actual valuation could potentially be determined by a new release clause:

“Nothing is ongoing now, for sure. In any case, there’s a new release clause into his contract if he ends up extending at Napoli as revealed one month ago so that’s the value for the future.”

Romano confirmed at the beginning of September (when his loan switch to Galatasaray was finalised) that the buyout fee would be €75m (£63m) if Osimhen puts pen to paper on the extension.

Osimhen could join another club in January

Although the Nigerian international did agree a season-long loan deal with Galatasaray, there is reportedly a break clause that will allow him to move to another club on a permanent basis in the New Year.

Chelsea, Arsenal and a whole host of other top European teams have been linked with Osimhen but there is no guarantee that any club will make a concerted effort to buy him when the transfer window opens. As Romano says, no one is actively pursuing him at the moment.

Do Chelsea need a No.9?

Another factor to consider is that head coach Enzo Maresca may be perfectly happy with the options he has up front already. Both Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku have started the season in great form.

Jackson has scored 4 goals and provided 3 assists in his first 7 league appearances, while Nkunku is the club’s top scorer in all competitions with 7. The club’s search for a new No.9 may no longer be as pressing as it once was.

Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here